Mixed bag for new-look Cup competitions
DIVISIONAL Cups were introduced this season to be trialled to see if they would prove more popular and fairer than the customary Anon Cup, which had been fought for since the inception of the league way back in 1937. So, a big decision to halt tradition was put to the test this week as the first round of matches got underway.
CHAMPIONS Princes St A overcame a spirited Argyle B effort, even though sickness had reduced them to three players. Not surprisingly it finished 7-0 to the Champs. In the other tie between Crosby’s C and B teams, well, simply, it never took place, with the reason and rearranged date not forthcoming as yet. So, we will have to wait and see. It was very disappointing though, as it had the potential to be ‘the tie of the week’.
ARGYLE C progressed after a good 8-2 victory over Formby Village B, where captain Adrian Hyland led his troops very well, with his two wins, especially a terrific comeback against Ted Cramsie, winning it 7-11 in the fifth. Tony Sawyer was also amongst the points, but came unstuck when pairing with Adrian in their doubles, just losing out to the husband and wife combo Audrey and Steve McGing 11-7 in the fifth. Princes St B ran out comfortable winners at home to Crosby D, with the handshakes beginning with the score at 6-0. League winners Princes St C unfortunately conceded their mouth watering tie against Formby Village A, illness and injuries kiboshing any thoughts of a double triumph there.
WATERLOO B made the trip to face Princes St D with only three players, and gave the home side a bit of a scare, drawing the contests played 4-4. Dave
Bradley and Jeff Hornby chipped in with a single win each and Gaz Corran played a vital part in winning both the doubles, but that 2-0 start was enough to see the home side through 6-4, home captain Ian Lunt being a very relieved man.
Crosby E conceded their tie to Princes St E, whilst the tie between
Rainford and Argyle D was rearranged for early next week.
DIVISION winners Southport C continued their quest for a League and Cup double when they rattled off another excellent team effort with a 2-7 away win at Crosby F, whilst again Crosby G who due to a misunderstanding somewhere along the line just didn’t turn up and were left no option but to concede their tie against Argyle E.
Also, the Carlton versus Southport B contest was also deferred to be played early next week.
So, to sum up, there was quite a mixed bag of fortunes in the inaugural first round of the Divisional Cups, with the three walkovers not helping at all.
But with three ties still to be played, two of them early next week and of course the much-awaited semi-finals, then it’s onwards and upwards for now anyway.
All information can be found at southport. ttleagues.com